Aquino orders law enforcement agencies to coordinate with Comelec

President Benigno Aquino 3rd has directed the law enforcement agencies and other agencies to coordinate and cooperate with the Commission on Elections in ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on Oct 28.

The directive was issued through a Memorandum Order signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on July 23.

The Comelec, through its Resolution No. 9731, resolved to request the concurrence of the President in the deputation of the Armed Forces, the Philippine National Police, and other law enforcement agencies, in connection with Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

“Pursuant to Section 2 [4], Article IX-C of the Constitution, the Comelec is empowered to deputize, with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections,” the memorandum read.

The Chief Executive concurred with Comelec Resolution No. 9731, deputizing AFP, PNP and other law enforcement agencies, to assist the Comelec in ensuring the free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible conduct of October elections.